NFL News - A Busy Day

This is one of those times of the NFL year where football web sites (Real or Fantasy) struggle to find something interesting to put on their pages. That's one reason why so many rumors are published. Today however, there was actually was quite few newsworthy items.

In the "What this really means is that They absolutley aren't going anywhere" category:

• The list of franchise players continued to grow. Added to the group are: NE K Adam Vinatieri, Jacksonville S Donovan Darius (for the 3rd straight year), and Colts RB Edgerrin James.
• After reaching an agreement with QB Matt Hasselbeck, Seattle looks to be ready to slap the franchise tag on RB Shaun Alexander.
• Raiders WR Jerry Porter has agreed to a contract extension and Colts RT Ryan Diem has signed a 7 year deal to remain in Indy.
  

In the "And when I say They absolutley aren't going anywhere I mean They might be going somewhere else" category:

• The Raiders are expected to name CB Charles Woodson their non-exclusive franchise player. By doing this they can prevent Woodson from leaving (unless someone is willing to give up two draft picks) while shopping him around. If there are no takers, the non-exclusive part allows the Raisers to remove the franchise tag and allow Woodson th be a free agent.
• The Packers named TE Bubba Franks as their transition player. Remember, the transition tag allows the Pack to meet any offer Franks receives but does not provide for two first round draft pick if Franks should sign with the other team.
  

In the "They absolutley are going somewhere else...maybe" category:

• The Chargers are expected to release WR Tim Dwight.
• The Redskins are offering up WR Laveranues Coles.
• Depending on if contract negotiations start moving or not TB QB Brian Griese may also be gone.
• The Steelers have indicated they will not franchise WR Plaxico Burress opening the door for him to go elsewhere.
  

In the "He's definitely coming Mr. Luthor" (Otis - Superman 1) category:

• As we indicted was likely two days ago, Drew Bledsoe has agreed to rejoin his former coach Bill Parcells in Dallas.
• Free agent punter Steve Cheek has signed with Jacksonville.
  

In the "What he really means is the most inexperienced team" category:

• After releasing roughly about half of their team, Titans GM Floyd Reese indicated that the Tennessee linup would contain many of their younger players. "Next year, we'll probably be the youngest team in the league." he said.

And Finally, In the "We're going to miss you" category:

• Doctors have told Raiders QB Rich Gannon that his playing days are over. Gannon, who suffered a broken neck last season, appears to relegating himself to that fact.